Enjoyed watching your review of Wolfgang, your videos were informative viewing. I still have my Kato with 15,500 miles most off-road/Trans Euro Trail no issues apart from a faulty ABS switch which was replaced under warranty. Thanks for sharing 🤘🏻
Hello there! Thanks for that. Great to hear of the never-spoken about 690 Enduro R reliability. I must admit I chose the bike because of its long development history. So doubly pleased to hear of your experience. Also, loving your Instagram shots 👍👍 (pinned your comment btw as so good!)
I can’t part with my 2021 model 690. Just clocked 20,000 km. No issues at all. Original clutch all ok. I’m comfortable riding all day, highway, twisties, trails and single tracks. Such a versatile bike. Cheers
useful summary for 690 owners. I note that you still use the clutch even though you have the quickshifter. I never use the clutch apart from starting and stopping. I don't know why more keen dirt riders don't have a 690. I ride mostly on dirt and would always trade off the road smoothness of a twin for an 80kg less 690 which has wonderful dirt manners. The power modes and TC/ABS work very well in the dirt. I always run power setting 2 and like the abs assisted front brake.
Cheers! Yes I have habit of using clutch in first hour of the ride as my CB500x has no QS. But I use it more as the day goes on, after video is out of the way. I think it is a bike like no other. Those who know, know. 👍
Great video CB I will have had my 2020 690 Enduro for 3 years as of October and I love it Put 6,300 miles on it so far And yes, it is a very tall bike Reliability has been fantastic
Brilliant review I have the 701 and love it. For seat comfort you can try some road cycling shorts which are padded. Not needed for me as I don’t ride too long. But what great bikes these are! I love mine and can’t see me selling mine ever ❤
@@CodgerBiker Only to viewers who are of the Tick-tock generation. Most of us 'older' gits prefer long form videos, not sound bites. Anyway, condensing three years into less than a half hour isn't easy.
@@CodgerBiker I never look at the breakdown. I just noticed that shorts can get you some extra views and subscribers so stuck with them. Also, it gives me the opportunity to use footage of random stuff I've caught on rides that likely wouldn't have seen the light of day otherwise.
I find stock is fine for highway in UK. 4th, 5th, or 6th gear plenty of pull for our speed limits. I wish 1st gear was a little lower only. That would be nice for technical stuff.
Hi mate, thanks for a very thorough review, very much appreciated. I'm looking at buying one soon and was just wondering, where may I ask did you buy those mirrors? Thanks in advance, Jon. EDIT: should have waited 'till later in the video...apologise...
Quick Flip mirrors by Rottweiler. Had them from local supplier, but they no longer deal with Rottweiler direct. Expensive. 👍 ua-cam.com/video/rq6RK5kf9c8/v-deo.htmlsi=_zwlaTQRBCUdQN4P
The slave cylinder went on my 1090 adventure at 7000 miles, luckily it popped as I was leaving my garage to do a 200 mile ride, best place I’ve ever broken down 😂, I replaced it with an oberon for £90.
Now then Codge, I used my bike through Covid, Fuk em, It was perfectly ok for me to work on the front line during covid, so using my bike for solitary enjoyment was my right that nobody can take away.
I'm sort of in between one of these and a T7 for my next bike. Of course these are two different bikes and the weight difference is definitely huge. Would you feel comfortable doing a longer distance road trip on this bike, even if it was primarily pavement. Think like if you had to ride 6 or 7 hours, camp, and then you're in the place where you intend to hit trails/get offroad. This bike will shine offroad whereas a T7 would be better on pavement, I just wonder if it's not so uncomfortable that it'd make you want to put it into a truck/van. I really want the weight and that offroad capability of a 690 but I do not own a truck or van, and I'd like to do longer distance pavement trips to get to places to ride more offroad. Assume I have a rade garage kit and an aftermarket seat etc.
I'm old. Arthritic shoulders. Yet I've ridden this 300 miles on highway at motorway speeds. That's about as much as I want to do on any bike these days. If you are younger and fit it isn't so bad. Seat can be improved if you are tall. Once there it's tremendous offroad. Easy to pick up and not top heavy like the T7. But if you are tall and strong enough the T7 will be better on highway no doubt. So I cannot answer for you. Try both if you can. But just imagine dropping the bike alone miles from anywhere, as I have done. I know which one I can pick up, unaided. 👍
@CodgerBiker I've spent some time on a T7 and I liked it, but I'm still working on getting ahold of a 690 for a day. I'm blessed with being young and tall but I'm kinda scrawny and I ride alone a lot so I think I'll end up with a 690. I did manage to drop the T7 on a trail and I was able to get it back up by myself on a decline but I just imagine how tough it'd be in mud. Appreciate the insight!
If you can pick it up 2 or 3 times a day. I’d go T7. I tried it with a full tank, no chance. But the 690 I can handle. It’s all about your expectation of comfort at speed. Good luck, thanks for watching ✌️
Hi from Colombia (south america 🇨🇴🇨🇴) thanks for your videos i want to ask you about your bag (top case similar bag) what's the reference? where did you buy it? thanks a lot again cheers
Now that is a great question. You get thumper vibes (low frequency) if you yank the 690 throttle at low speeds, which is fun. The 500x is smoother up to 5k revs or so, but can be buzzy (high frequency) above that. Personally I prefer the 690 with its balancer shafts, from the vibe perspective. 👍
Now THAT rpm distinction surprises me! ... from all I've read/heard about parallel-twins being the greatest (smoothest) thing since sliced bread. I hadn't heard that Honda's 'magical' 500 cc parallel-twin gets buzzy above 5,000 rpm. THANKS - for the insights; MUCH appreciated.@@CodgerBiker
It's a bike I love. Was supposed to trade in but couldn't do it. It's taken me places no other bike has. But it's not for everyone. A big single, as well done as it is, is quite different to a muli-cylinder roadbike. I grew up on a farm so for me it's amazing. Powerful, light but basic. Try one first. 👍
Not at all. Many people ride far and wide with stock light. Also there are much simpler, cheaper ways to add a screen, or GPS mount. Some of which are in the playlist.👍
Enjoyed watching your review of Wolfgang, your videos were informative viewing. I still have my Kato with 15,500 miles most off-road/Trans Euro Trail no issues apart from a faulty ABS switch which was replaced under warranty. Thanks for sharing 🤘🏻
Hello there! Thanks for that. Great to hear of the never-spoken about 690 Enduro R reliability. I must admit I chose the bike because of its long development history. So doubly pleased to hear of your experience. Also, loving your Instagram shots 👍👍 (pinned your comment btw as so good!)
@@CodgerBiker Ha Ha cheers bud, don't do the social media content too often now as I'm getting on 🤣🤣
I can’t part with my 2021 model 690. Just clocked 20,000 km. No issues at all. Original clutch all ok. I’m comfortable riding all day, highway, twisties, trails and single tracks. Such a versatile bike. Cheers
Totally agree. Only my aches and pains hold me back 👍
Watching your 690 videos went a long way towards me purchasing a SMC R earlier this year. Thanks. Great bikes.
An SMC would be good for me too! Thanks for watching 👍👍
any problems with it ? about to swap in my speed triple for one ...
useful summary for 690 owners. I note that you still use the clutch even though you have the quickshifter. I never use the clutch apart from starting and stopping. I don't know why more keen dirt riders don't have a 690. I ride mostly on dirt and would always trade off the road smoothness of a twin for an 80kg less 690 which has wonderful dirt manners. The power modes and TC/ABS work very well in the dirt. I always run power setting 2 and like the abs assisted front brake.
Cheers! Yes I have habit of using clutch in first hour of the ride as my CB500x has no QS. But I use it more as the day goes on, after video is out of the way. I think it is a bike like no other. Those who know, know. 👍
Great video CB
I will have had my 2020 690 Enduro for 3 years as of October and I love it
Put 6,300 miles on it so far
And yes, it is a very tall bike
Reliability has been fantastic
Snap, that's both of us the same. It's a special bike for those who know. People of good taste, as Lux Interior once said. 👍👍
Brilliant review I have the 701 and love it. For seat comfort you can try some road cycling shorts which are padded. Not needed for me as I don’t ride too long. But what great bikes these are! I love mine and can’t see me selling mine ever ❤
🎉 Happy anniversary
Cheers! 🍺
I've been really interested in buying one and you have certainly given me quite a few insights into what owning will be like
I love mine, but it's not for everyone. Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks for the video
Great video. 2019 701 is my steed... these bikes are very hard to beat on versatility
Agree completely. Those who know, know! 👍
Nice one mate. Very thorough round up of your three years together.
David and Matt will be made up at the shout-out I'm sure 👍🏻
Thanks for that. I wonder if I rabbit on too much 😉🤣👍
@@CodgerBiker Only to viewers who are of the Tick-tock generation. Most of us 'older' gits prefer long form videos, not sound bites. Anyway, condensing three years into less than a half hour isn't easy.
True. I prefer long form also. Funnily enough I get more dislikes on my Shorts so don't much bother with them. 👍
@@CodgerBiker I never look at the breakdown. I just noticed that shorts can get you some extra views and subscribers so stuck with them. Also, it gives me the opportunity to use footage of random stuff I've caught on rides that likely wouldn't have seen the light of day otherwise.
Yes, I agree, that's my view of them. No harm in trying. 👍
thanks for the review :) I have got one too. Do you think to use 16T sprocket? do you have any idea about it especially for highway cruise?
I find stock is fine for highway in UK. 4th, 5th, or 6th gear plenty of pull for our speed limits. I wish 1st gear was a little lower only. That would be nice for technical stuff.
Hi mate, thanks for a very thorough review, very much appreciated. I'm looking at buying one soon and was just wondering, where may I ask did you buy those mirrors? Thanks in advance, Jon.
EDIT: should have waited 'till later in the video...apologise...
Quick Flip mirrors by Rottweiler. Had them from local supplier, but they no longer deal with Rottweiler direct. Expensive. 👍
ua-cam.com/video/rq6RK5kf9c8/v-deo.htmlsi=_zwlaTQRBCUdQN4P
Thankyou for taking the time to reply!@@CodgerBiker
The slave cylinder went on my 1090 adventure at 7000 miles, luckily it popped as I was leaving my garage to do a 200 mile ride, best place I’ve ever broken down 😂, I replaced it with an oberon for £90.
I am looking into that style of mirrors do they provide a good rearview?
Never going to be as good as a full mirror. But I had no problems, and you see less shoulder.
Now then Codge, I used my bike through Covid, Fuk em, It was perfectly ok for me to work on the front line during covid, so using my bike for solitary enjoyment was my right that nobody can take away.
It was a crazy time for sure. Having the 690 kept me sane (ish) 👍
Great bike! if you could only keep 1 bike, would you keep it or the Honda?
Tough question. Probably the 690, but don’t tell them! 😉
Great review 👍 and your keeping it too.......for a while lol
I’ve given up predicting the future after the last few years. I love the bike is all I know 👍
I'm sort of in between one of these and a T7 for my next bike. Of course these are two different bikes and the weight difference is definitely huge. Would you feel comfortable doing a longer distance road trip on this bike, even if it was primarily pavement. Think like if you had to ride 6 or 7 hours, camp, and then you're in the place where you intend to hit trails/get offroad. This bike will shine offroad whereas a T7 would be better on pavement, I just wonder if it's not so uncomfortable that it'd make you want to put it into a truck/van.
I really want the weight and that offroad capability of a 690 but I do not own a truck or van, and I'd like to do longer distance pavement trips to get to places to ride more offroad. Assume I have a rade garage kit and an aftermarket seat etc.
I'm old. Arthritic shoulders. Yet I've ridden this 300 miles on highway at motorway speeds. That's about as much as I want to do on any bike these days. If you are younger and fit it isn't so bad. Seat can be improved if you are tall. Once there it's tremendous offroad. Easy to pick up and not top heavy like the T7. But if you are tall and strong enough the T7 will be better on highway no doubt. So I cannot answer for you. Try both if you can. But just imagine dropping the bike alone miles from anywhere, as I have done. I know which one I can pick up, unaided. 👍
@CodgerBiker I've spent some time on a T7 and I liked it, but I'm still working on getting ahold of a 690 for a day. I'm blessed with being young and tall but I'm kinda scrawny and I ride alone a lot so I think I'll end up with a 690.
I did manage to drop the T7 on a trail and I was able to get it back up by myself on a decline but I just imagine how tough it'd be in mud. Appreciate the insight!
If you can pick it up 2 or 3 times a day. I’d go T7. I tried it with a full tank, no chance. But the 690 I can handle. It’s all about your expectation of comfort at speed. Good luck, thanks for watching ✌️
Hi from Colombia (south america 🇨🇴🇨🇴) thanks for your videos
i want to ask you about your bag (top case similar bag)
what's the reference? where did you buy it?
thanks a lot again
cheers
Hello. It's a 15L tail bag by Lextek. Very cheap, but works. I do not think they are still on sale. I found this one on eBay three years ago.👍
Is your CB500X parallel-twin noticeably smoother (e.g. has less vibration) than the big KTM thumper? Thanks - for whatever comparative insights.
Now that is a great question. You get thumper vibes (low frequency) if you yank the 690 throttle at low speeds, which is fun. The 500x is smoother up to 5k revs or so, but can be buzzy (high frequency) above that. Personally I prefer the 690 with its balancer shafts, from the vibe perspective. 👍
Now THAT rpm distinction surprises me! ... from all I've read/heard about parallel-twins being the greatest (smoothest) thing since sliced bread. I hadn't heard that Honda's 'magical' 500 cc parallel-twin gets buzzy above 5,000 rpm. THANKS - for the insights; MUCH appreciated.@@CodgerBiker
It's an old style 180 degree crank. Smooth until it buzzes. Cheers! 👍
Good answer. I wonder how high Honda's NEW 270* 750 cc (in the TransAlp & Hornet etc.) revs before buzzing?@@CodgerBiker
@@discoveror9576 It had some vibes when I rode it, but you’ll be going a lot faster for the same revs.
hows it treating you ??
about to swap in my speed triple and some reviews are scaring me ...
It's a bike I love. Was supposed to trade in but couldn't do it. It's taken me places no other bike has. But it's not for everyone. A big single, as well done as it is, is quite different to a muli-cylinder roadbike. I grew up on a farm so for me it's amazing. Powerful, light but basic. Try one first. 👍
I wonder if the upgraded dashboard of the 2021 models and later would fit on a 2019.
No idea but I doubt it. Personally like the simple display. Reset trip at fill up. Refill 150 miles later. Just ride and watch the road. 👍
Is it pretty much mandatory to get the tower cluster for this bike?
Not at all. Many people ride far and wide with stock light. Also there are much simpler, cheaper ways to add a screen, or GPS mount. Some of which are in the playlist.👍
It’s for looks
@@drifterdave01And lights...
Reliability or a Liability. CB are you reviewing yourself or the bike? KK
That IS the question 😅
I turn over bikes alot but for some reason cannot part with my 2023 ktm690
how's it treating you ??
about to swap in my speed triple for one ...
@@796andy2 love it mate puts a smile on my face
Going on 6 years and only failure was OEM clutch springs. Absolute crap! Failed at 7k miles.
What did you replace them with?
That wind buffeting would drive me mad.
It's not the worst. Yours, Napoleon. 👍
It can be traded for something else, but not something better!
I think that is why I kept it. 👍😉
A sheepskin on the seat helps with distance arse. Danger, danger high voltage!
Yea I had 2 sheepskins on top of one another strapped over the seat when I had my 690. Only thing is to carry a bike cover if it’s likely to rain
Holaa amigo nice motosicleta
Hola! Gracias! 👋
28:18 I have the husky 701 LR and yes it's like second childhood ye 👋🤠👍
One of the greatest bikes ever made. Those who know, know. Wish I'd kept mine. 👍
@@CodgerBiker mine is now 732 cc big bore from London poskitt racing
Even better 👍👍
U got 3 inches of fork going through that triple clamp no wonder you need a scotts stabilizer!
20mm actually, standard with 1" Kouba at rear. Balance. 👌